Do "theater fans" want to like the show? - Page 2

[backwoodsbarbie]

Posted: 7/18/10 at 12:49am

I think it is because we "theater fans" love the art form so much that we want it to be great. I think we criticize certain shows because we want them to be better so theater can continue to touch audiences, not because we just want to rip it apart.

[Eris0303]

Posted: 7/18/10 at 4:04am

Exactly- they enjoy criticizing more than they enjoy enjoying

My brother studied film at NYC and no one wants to watch a movie with him. He hates everything and ruins the experience for everyone else. He's definitely falls into what Joe described above. He enjoys picking the films apart more than just settling back to watch them.

While I can make critical comments about shows I have never come out of show saying "I hated it". I always find something to like. Be it a performer, the direction, the set...there is almost always something positive going on. I don't know what category that puts me in. I have a degree in Fine Arts but only took one or two classes that delved into criticism. I go into NYC to see shows fairly often but I don't see shows every week like some people I know.

There have been a few occasions where I didn't "get" a show or didn't "connect" with material. A good example is "College: The Musical". I went to a small, liberal arts college and the world described in the show didn't exist there. The show wasn't bad and had some great performances. But maybe someone who had experienced that sort of college life might enjoy it more than I did.

[brightasyellow]

Posted: 7/18/10 at 5:08am

I agree with many of you that criticism is good but bashing is never helpful (nor constructive).

I've been going to the theater since I was a child and have seen many shows. I've never left a show feeling hate towards it. Live theater has always brought me joy because of the proximity and energy of it. Even if I dislike a show, I can find something redeeming in it, even if it's just that it got me thinking about how it could have been better. I'm not afraid to voice my disappointments, but they're not dripping with vitriol.

I think criticism is a good thing, as it can often start really good conversations. But I do not understand the urge to say a show was perfect in every way or horrid in every way. I can see the flaws in my favorite shows and the good in my least favorite. My favorite critics are those that give balanced reviews. I don't see many movies, but my friend is a film buff and won't read David Denby's reviews anymore because apparently he just trashes everything.

I've only been reading this message board for a week or so, now, but I've found it a very interesting experience. Mostly good

[B3TA07]

Posted: 7/18/10 at 5:31am

I do. I'm one of those weird people who believes critics do, too. :)

Updated On: 7/18/10 at 05:31 AM